Former New York Governor Andrew Cuomo has officially entered the race for New York City mayor, during which he candidly acknowledged some of the mistakes made throughout his political career. In his first public appearance since launching his campaign, Cuomo engaged with reporters in Greenwich Village, outlining three significant errors he believes shaped his tenure.

Cuomo Highlights Three Key Mistakes

During his interaction with the press, Cuomo was pressed by FOX 5 NY reporter Morgan McKay to specify the blunders he mentioned. After some hesitation, he identified the following areas of concern:

1. Inadequate Police Presence on the MTA: Cuomo stated, “I would have added more police to the MTA if I knew New York City was going to be cutting police, right?” This admission comes against the backdrop of rising concerns about safety on public transit.
2. Lack of Pandemic Preparedness: Reflecting on the COVID-19 pandemic, he remarked, “If you knew you were going to face a pandemic, I would have done much more preparatory work in the years preceding the pandemic.”
3. Overly Serious Approach to Governance: He acknowledged an overly serious tone, saying, “I think I would have taken it all with two grains of salt, you know, sometimes, I took everything too seriously.”

Omission of Scandals

Interestingly, Cuomo’s list of reflections did not address the scandals that marred his governorship. He refrained from mentioning the underreporting of COVID-related nursing home deaths and the sexual harassment allegations that led to his resignation. Furthermore, he did not address the controversial bail reform law that he signed in 2019, which has undergone numerous amendments since its inception.

Cuomo also noted that New York taxpayers have incurred over $17 million in legal expenses related to his ongoing battles, an issue he chose not to elaborate on during the press conference.

Cuomo’s Mayoral Campaign Strategy

Cuomo’s campaign, which he launched recently, is positioned as a response to what he considers a “city in crisis.” Polling data indicates he currently holds a lead in the Democratic primary race, with a recent Honan Strategy Group poll placing him at 33% support among potential voters.

His campaign messaging emphasizes his intent to address critical issues affecting public safety and city governance, arguing that his experience makes him the appropriate candidate to tackle these challenges. In a recent advertisement, he projects himself as a leader prepared to restore order and confidence in New York City.